Los Banos, California: Difference between revisions

Los Banos, California

Los Baños
Los Banos, California Los Baños
City
	City of Los Banos
	Aerial view of Los Banos
	Location in Merced County and California
	Los Banos Los Banos
	Coordinates: 37°03′30″N 120°51′00″W / 37.05833°N 120.85000°W
Country	United States
State	California
County	Merced
Incorporated	May 8, 1907
Government
• Mayor	Paul Llanez
Area
• Total	10.12 sq mi (26.2 km2)
• Land	10.00 sq mi (25.9 km2)
• Water	0.12 sq mi (0.3 km2) 1.22%
Elevation	118 ft (35 m)
Population (2020)
• Total	45,532
• Density	4,500/sq mi (1,700/km2)
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP Code	93635
Area code	209
FIPS code	06-44028
GNIS feature IDs	277547, 2410878
Website	www.losbanos.org

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Los Banos (/loʊs ˈbænoʊs/ lohss BAN-ohss), alternatively Los Baños (/loʊs ˈbænjoʊs/ lohss BAN-yohss), is a city in Merced County, California, United States. It is located in the San Joaquin Valley in Central California, near the junction of State Route 152 and Interstate 5. Its population was 45,532 at the 2020 census,^[5] up from 35,972 at the 2010 census.The city is served by Los Banos Municipal Airport for air transport access.

Etymology

The town's Spanish name Los Baños means "the baths";^[6] it is named after a spring that feeds natural wetlands in the western San Joaquín Valley.^[7] Its official spelling, reflected in the name of its post office, omits the tilde of the ñ,^[8] though some signs in town show its name as Los Baños.

Geography

Los Banos is located on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, 26 miles (42 km) southwest of Merced,^[9] at about 118 ft (36 m) elevation.^[4] Its coordinates are 37°03′30″N 120°51′00″W / 37.05833°N 120.85000°W / 37.05833; -120.85000.^[4] The city is at the intersection of California State Route 152 and California State Route 165. 7 miles (11 km) to the west is Interstate 5, which extends north–south between Canada and Mexico. The San Luis Reservoir and the Diablo Range are farther to the west.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.1 square miles (26 km²), of which 0.1 square miles (0.26 km²) (1.22%) is covered by water.

Los Banos sits on the southwestern edge of extensive national and state game refuges; these wetlands support waterfowl and other wildlife habitat along a stretch of the San Joaquin River that still carries water and the Grassland Ecological Area, home to rare California grasslands habitat. The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex includes San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, which includes the Kesterson Unit, East Bear Creek, West Bear Creek, and Blue Goose Unit. Nearby are the Merced National Wildlife Refuge and the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge. Fishers, hunters, birdwatchers, and other recreational users come to Los Banos year round.^{[citation needed]}

Climate

Los Banos has a semiarid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSk) with cool winters and hot summers. Most of the precipitation falls in the winter. Gusty winds are common in the late afternoon, especially in the vicinity of nearby Pacheco Pass.

On average, 97.1 days have highs of 90 °F (32.2 °C) or higher, and 15.5 days have lows of 32 °F (0.0 °C) or lower.^[10] The record high temperature of 116 °F (47 °C) was on July 25, 1931. A record low temperature of 14 °F (−10 °C) was on January 11, 1949, and again on December 22, 1990.^[11]

The average annual rainfall is 9.48 inches (24.1 cm), with an average of 47 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year recorded was 1998 with 21.08 inches (53.5 cm) and the driest year was 2020 with 3.74 inches (9.5 cm). The most rainfall in one month was 8.08 inches (20.5 cm) in March 1998. The most rainfall in 24 hours was 2.40 inches (6.1 cm) on January 18, 1914. Although snow is rare, 3 in (7.6 cm) fell in January 1916 and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) fell in January 1962.^[11]

Climate data for Los Banos, California (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1929–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	75 (24)	80 (27)	89 (32)	98 (37)	106 (41)	114 (46)	116 (47)	114 (46)	113 (45)	104 (40)	87 (31)	75 (24)	116 (47)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	66.6 (19.2)	72.4 (22.4)	80.6 (27.0)	89.5 (31.9)	97.5 (36.4)	103.6 (39.8)	105.5 (40.8)	104.6 (40.3)	101.9 (38.8)	93.1 (33.9)	78.9 (26.1)	66.4 (19.1)	107.0 (41.7)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	55.6 (13.1)	61.7 (16.5)	67.7 (19.8)	73.3 (22.9)	81.2 (27.3)	88.9 (31.6)	94.6 (34.8)	93.9 (34.4)	89.6 (32.0)	79.2 (26.2)	65.5 (18.6)	55.8 (13.2)	75.6 (24.2)
Daily mean °F (°C)	47.0 (8.3)	52.4 (11.3)	57.1 (13.9)	61.5 (16.4)	68.6 (20.3)	74.5 (23.6)	79.3 (26.3)	78.1 (25.6)	74.4 (23.6)	66.0 (18.9)	54.8 (12.7)	46.7 (8.2)	63.4 (17.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	39.3 (4.1)	42.5 (5.8)	46.1 (7.8)	49.4 (9.7)	55.2 (12.9)	60.4 (15.8)	63.8 (17.7)	62.8 (17.1)	60.1 (15.6)	52.7 (11.5)	44.3 (6.8)	38.4 (3.6)	51.3 (10.7)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	29.1 (−1.6)	32.6 (0.3)	36.8 (2.7)	38.9 (3.8)	45.6 (7.6)	50.4 (10.2)	54.0 (12.2)	54.0 (12.2)	50.5 (10.3)	42.6 (5.9)	34.0 (1.1)	28.1 (−2.2)	26.7 (−2.9)
Record low °F (°C)	14 (−10)	20 (−7)	24 (−4)	30 (−1)	35 (2)	39 (4)	45 (7)	46 (8)	38 (3)	28 (−2)	24 (−4)	14 (−10)	14 (−10)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	2.07 (53)	1.83 (46)	1.34 (34)	0.65 (17)	0.46 (12)	0.08 (2.0)	0.02 (0.51)	0.01 (0.25)	0.05 (1.3)	0.46 (12)	0.85 (22)	1.66 (42)	9.48 (242.06)
Average precipitation days	8.9	8.3	7.4	4.4	2.3	0.7	0.1	0.2	0.4	2.0	4.6	7.7	47.0
Source 1: NOAA^[10]
Source 2: National Weather Service^[11]

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1910	745	—
1920	1,276	71.3%
1930	1,875	46.9%
1940	2,214	18.1%
1950	3,868	74.7%
1960	5,272	36.3%
1970	9,188	74.3%
1980	10,341	12.5%
1990	14,519	40.4%
2000	25,869	78.2%
2010	35,972	39.1%
2020	45,532	26.6%
U.S. Decennial Census^[12]^{[failed verification]}2020 ^[5]

2021

In 2021, the population of Los Banos is estimated to have been around 46,398 inhabitants.^[13]

2010

At the 2010 census, Los Banos had a population of 35,972.^[14] The population density was 3,555.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,372.8/km²). The racial makeup of Los Banos was 20,846 (58.0%) White, 1,354 (3.8%) African American, 512 (1.4%) Native American, 1,162 (3.2%) Asian, 134 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 10,123 (28.1%) from other races, and 1,841 (5.1%) from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 23,346 persons (64.9%).^[15]

The census reported that 35,791 people (99.5% of the population) lived in households, 103 (0.3%) lived in noninstitutionalized group quarters, and 78 (0.2%) were institutionalized.

Of the 10,259 households, 5,451 (53.1%) had children under 18 living in them, 6,018 (58.7%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 1,474 (14.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 838 (8.2%) had a male householder with no wife present, 791 were (7.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, 78 (0.8%) were same-sex married couples or partnerships, and 1,551 households (15.1%) were one person and 653 (6.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 3.49. There were 8,330 families (81.2% of households); the average family size was 3.84.

The age distribution was 12,102 people (33.6%) under 18, 3,703 people (10.3%) from 18 to 24, 9,596 people (26.7%) from 25 to 44, 7,494 people (20.8%) from 45 to 64, and 3,077 people (8.6%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 29.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The 11,375 housing units had an average density of 1,124.4 per square mile, of the occupied units 6,197 (60.4%) were owner-occupied and 4,062 (39.6%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.1%; the rental vacancy rate was 8.4%. 20,687 people (57.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 15,104 people (42.0%) lived in rental housing units.

2000

At the 2000 census there were 25,869 people in 7,721 households, including 6,223 families, in the city. The population density was 3,218.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,242.7/km²). There were 8,049 housing units at an average density of 1,001.5 per square mile (386.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 58.61% White, 4.25% African American, 1.35% Native American, 2.34% Asian, 0.33% Pacific Islander, 26.90% from other races, and 6.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 50.44%.^[16]

Of the 7,721 households, 48.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.4% were non-families. Of all households, 15.8% were one person and 7.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.33 and the average family size was 3.69.

The age distribution was 35.1% under 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% 65 or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median household income was $43,690 and the median family income was $45,304. Males had a median income of $38,294 versus $27,994 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,582. About 9.8% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.9% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Government

In the California State Legislature, Los Banos is in the 14th Senate District, represented by Democrat Anna Caballero, and in the 27th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Esmeralda Soria.^[17]

In the United States House of Representatives, Los Banos is in California's 13th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of D +4^[18] and is represented by Republican John Duarte.^[19]

As of 2022, Paul Llanez is the mayor.^[2]

History and culture

The Los Banos area was initially settled, according to Mexican land-grant records, in the 1840s. The first white settler in the area was Uriah Wood, who built his two-room cabin in 1859.^[20] The original site of Los Banos was located several miles from the current town center, about a mile and half west of the railroad near present-day Volta. The town was essentially a trading post and received its name when the post office was established and the Post Office Department designated the office "Los Banos" after the nearby creek. When the railroad arrived, Los Banos relocated to its present-day site.^[21] The first post office opened in 1873.^[9]

Land and water rights were important to early Los Banos residents, but those rights were recognized only when the land and deed were registered. Sometimes, those rights depended on fleet footedness, as it did in the "race" between Los Banos residents Uriah Wood and Henry Miller. Wood, whose homestead was located off of Badger Flat Road, raced Miller to the land office in Stockton to insure his claim to the land would be recognized. After crossing the San Joaquin River, Wood paid the ferryman $5 to hold the boat on the east side of the river to insure he would gain sufficient distance from Miller to ensure he would reach the land office first. Wood succeeded and the seven sections that he registered cost him only 45¢ an acre.^[21]

The centerpiece of downtown Los Banos is Henry Miller Plaza, honoring early California rancher Henry Miller. The 10-acre (4.0 ha) half-oval public plaza features a monumental scale bronze arrangement of Miller with cattle. At one time in the late 19th century, Miller was the largest land owner in the United States. The success of his business monopolized the California agricultural industry, funneling resources and supplies to create his prosperous company. Centered around cattle farming, the Miller and Lux Corporation ultimately transformed the San Joaquin Valley into what can be considered as a precursor to corporate farming and turning independent farmers into wageworkers.^[22] His company, the Miller & Lux Corporation, was headquartered in Los Banos on a site currently housing the Mexican restaurant España's and the Canal Farm Inn.

Los Banos has a long history of Portuguese and Spanish immigrants, as do many of the nearby towns on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. This is reflected both in local restaurants and in several festivals and parades that take place during the year. There is also a significant community of Basques. Los Banos is locally known for its annual May Day Fair during the first week of May.

Los Banos is home to The Randall Fawcett House, a Frank Lloyd Wright designed Usonian home.^[23]

A member of the Manson family, Susan Atkins attended Los Banos High School, before joining the family.

Since the 1980s, the city's population has changed with a continuing influx of people who work in the San Jose/Silicon Valley area but seek more affordable housing and slower pace of semi-rural life, a pattern seen in many other small towns within commuting distance of Silicon Valley.^{[citation needed]}

California Historical Landmark Canal Farm Inn is located at 1460 E Pacheco Blvd, Los Banos. Canal Farm Inn is a California Historical Landmarks, number 548.

The California Historical Landmark reads:

NO. 548 CANAL FARM INN – This original San Joaquin Valley ranch headquarters of California pioneer and cattle baron Henry Miller (1827–1916) was established in 1873. His farsighted planning and development in the 1870s of a vast gravity irrigation system, and the founding of Los Banos in 1889, provided the basis for this area's present stability and wealth. ^[24]

Notable people

Mack Wheat, (1893–1979), was a Major League Baseball catcher from 1915 to 1921 for Brooklyn and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Education

K–12 education is provided by the Los Banos Unified School District. In addition, the Los Banos Campus of Merced College has served community college students since 2007.

Economy

Top employers

According to the city's 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,^[25] the top employers in the city are:

#	Employer	# of Employees
1	Los Banos Unified School District	1,082
2	Walmart	340
3	Memorial Hospital Los Banos	286
4	Kagome	206
5	City of Los Banos	178
6	Target	153
7	APEX	126
8	The Home Depot	125
9	Save Mart	90
10	Central California Irrigation District	75

References

^ "California Cities by Incorporation Date". California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Archived from the original (Word) on February 21, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
^ ^a ^b "Mayor & City Council Members". City of Los Banos. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
^ "2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files: California". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Los Banos". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
^ ^a ^b ^c "P1. Race – Los Banos city, California: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 190.
^ "City of Los Banos".
^ "The City We Serve: Los Banos". Los Banos Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
^ ^a ^b Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 796. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
^ ^a ^b "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Los Banos, CA". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Hanford". National Weather Service. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
^ United States Census Bureau (2022). "Los Banos city, California". United States Census Bureau.
^ "Los Banos (city) QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 22, 2015. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
^ "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA – Los Banos city". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
^ "Find Your California Representative".
^ "2022 House Race Ratings". Cook Political. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
^ "California's 13th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
^ Merced County: Multi-jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF) (Report). Merced County, California. August 2014. p. 11. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Outcalt, John (1925). "Chapter XII: Early Days on the West Side". A History of Merced County California Being an Account in Brief Outline of the Period from the Days of the Spanish Occupation Down to the Present Time. pp. 215–233. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
^ Henry Miller Papers Collection, "Correspondence to Superintendent Turner," July 18, 1912, Special Collections, Henry Madden Library, California State University Fresno
^ "Frank Lloyd Wright Fawcett House". Swipelife. March 17, 2009. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
^ californiahistoricallandmarks.com # 548
^ City of Los Banos California Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2018

External links

Official website

[1] "California Cities by Incorporation Date". California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Archived from the original (Word) on February 21, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2014.

[cc-2] "Mayor & City Council Members". City of Los Banos. Retrieved January 26, 2023.

[CenPopGazetteer2021-3] "2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files: California". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 25, 2022.

[gnis-4] "Los Banos". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.

[Census_2020-5] "P1. Race – Los Banos city, California: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 25, 2022.

[6] Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 190.

[7] "City of Los Banos".

[8] "The City We Serve: Los Banos". Los Banos Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved December 26, 2015.

[CGN-9] Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 796. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.

[NOAA-10] "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Los Banos, CA". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 27, 2023.

[NOWData-11] "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Hanford". National Weather Service. Retrieved May 27, 2023.

[DecennialCensus-12] "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.

[13] United States Census Bureau (2022). "Los Banos city, California". United States Census Bureau.

[14] "Los Banos (city) QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 22, 2015. Retrieved March 18, 2015.

[15] "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA – Los Banos city". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.

[GR2-16] "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.

[17] "Find Your California Representative".

[18] "2022 House Race Ratings". Cook Political. Retrieved January 26, 2022.

[19] "California's 13th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.

[20] Merced County: Multi-jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF) (Report). Merced County, California. August 2014. p. 11. Retrieved April 15, 2022.

[Ref-1-21] Outcalt, John (1925). "Chapter XII: Early Days on the West Side". A History of Merced County California Being an Account in Brief Outline of the Period from the Days of the Spanish Occupation Down to the Present Time. pp. 215–233. Retrieved April 15, 2022.

[22] Henry Miller Papers Collection, "Correspondence to Superintendent Turner," July 18, 1912, Special Collections, Henry Madden Library, California State University Fresno

[23] "Frank Lloyd Wright Fawcett House". Swipelife. March 17, 2009. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2012.

[24] rniahistoricallandmarks.com # 548

[cafr-25] City of Los Banos California Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2018

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Short description|City in Merced County, California, United States}}
+{{For|the city in Laguna|Los Banos, Laguna}}
 {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
 {{Infobox settlement
@@ Line 6: / Line 7: @@
 |other_name               = Los Baños
 |settlement_type          = [[List of municipalities in California|City]]
-|image_skyline            = St Joseph Church - Los Banos California.jpg
+|image_skyline            = Los Banos, California - Aerial (49394863191).jpg
 |imagesize                =
-|image_caption            = The Falasco Arts Center, housed in the historic St. Joseph's Church, Los Banos
+|image_caption            = Aerial view of Los Banos
 |image_seal               =
-|image_map                = Merced_County_California_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Los_Banos_Highlighted.svg
+|image_map                = Merced County California Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Los Banos Highlighted.svg
 |mapsize                  = 250x200px
 |map_caption              = Location in [[Merced County, California|Merced County]] and [[California]]
@@ Line 26: / Line 27: @@
 |established_title        = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
 |established_date         = May 8, 1907<ref>{{Cite web
- |url=http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc
+|url=http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc
- |title=California Cities by Incorporation Date
+|title=California Cities by Incorporation Date
- |format=Word
+|format=Word
- |publisher=California Association of [[Local Agency Formation Commission]]s
+|publisher=California Association of [[Local Agency Formation Commission]]s
- |access-date=August 25, 2014 |url-status=dead
+|access-date=August 25, 2014 |url-status=dead
- |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221091414/http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc
+|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221091414/http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc
- |archive-date=February 21, 2013 }}</ref>
+|archive-date=February 21, 2013 }}</ref>
 |government_type          =
 |leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
 |leader_name              = Paul Llanez<ref name=cc>{{Cite web
- | url = http://www.losbanos.org/city-government/mayor-city-council-members/
+| url = http://www.losbanos.org/city-government/mayor-city-council-members/
- | title = Mayor & City Council Members
+| title = Mayor & City Council Members
- | publisher = City of Los Banos
+| publisher = City of Los Banos
- | access-date = January 26, 2023}}</ref>
+| access-date = January 26, 2023}}</ref>
 <!-- Area------------------>
 |unit_pref                = Imperial
@@ Line 77: / Line 78: @@
 |website                  = {{URL|www.losbanos.org}}
 }}
+[[File:St Joseph Church - Los Banos California.jpg|thumb|right|The Falasco Arts Center, housed in the historic St. Joseph's Church, Los Banos]]
+'''Los Banos''' ({{IPAc-en|l|oʊ|s|_|ˈ|b|æ|n|oʊ|s}} {{respell|lohss|_|BAN|ohss}}), alternatively '''Los Baños''' ({{IPAc-en|l|oʊ|s|_|ˈ|b|æ|n|j|oʊ|s}} {{respell|lohss|_|BAN|yohss}}), is a city in [[Merced County, California|Merced County]], [[California]], United States. It is located in the [[San Joaquin Valley]] in [[Central California]], near the junction of [[California State Route 152|State Route 152]] and [[Interstate 5 in California|Interstate 5]]. Its population was 45,532 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]],<ref name="Census 2020" /> up from 35,972 at the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]].The city is served by [[Los Banos Municipal Airport]] for air transport access.
+==Etymology==
-'''Los Banos''' ({{IPAc-en|l|oʊ|s|_|ˈ|b|æ|n|oʊ|s}} {{respell|lohss|_|BAN|ohss}}), alternatively '''Los Baños''' ({{IPAc-en|l|oʊ|s|_|ˈ|b|æ|n|j|oʊ|s}} {{respell|lohss|_|BAN|yohss}}), is a city in [[Merced County, California|Merced County]], [[California]], United States. It is located in the [[San Joaquin Valley]] in central California, near the junction of [[California State Route 152|State Route 152]] and [[Interstate 5 in California|Interstate 5]].  Its population was 45,532 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]],<ref name="Census 2020"/> up from 35,972 at the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]]. The city is served by [[Los Banos Municipal Airport]] for air transport access.
-== Etymology ==
 The town's [[Spanish language|Spanish]] name ''Los Baños'' means "the baths";<ref>{{cite book |last=Gannett |first=Henry |title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ |year=1905 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n189 190]}}</ref> it is named after a spring that feeds natural wetlands in the western San Joaquín Valley.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.losbanos.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=125 | title=City of Los Banos}}</ref>  Its official spelling, reflected in the name of its post office, omits the tilde of the ''[[ñ]]'',<ref>{{cite web | url=http://losbanos.com/cityoflosbanos.html | title=The City We Serve: Los Banos | publisher=Los Banos Chamber of Commerce | access-date=December 26, 2015}}</ref> though some signs in town show its name as Los Baños.
-== Geography ==
+==Geography==
 Los Banos is located on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, {{convert|26|mi}} southwest of [[Merced, California|Merced]],<ref name="CGN">{{California's Geographic Names|796}}</ref> at about {{convert|118|ft|abbr=on}} [[elevation]].<ref name="gnis" /> Its [[Geographic coordinate system|coordinates]] are {{coord|37|03|30|N|120|51|00|W|type:city}}.<ref name=gnis /> The city is at the intersection of [[California State Route 152]] and [[California State Route 165]]. {{convert|7|mi|0}} to the west is [[Interstate 5 in California|Interstate 5]], which extends north–south between Canada and Mexico. The [[San Luis Reservoir]] and the [[Diablo Range]] are farther to the west.
@@ Line 92: / Line 93: @@
 Los Banos sits on the southwestern edge of extensive national and state game refuges; these wetlands support waterfowl and other wildlife habitat along a stretch of the San Joaquin River that still carries water and the [[Grassland Ecological Area]], home to rare [[California Central Valley grasslands|California grasslands]] habitat. The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex includes [[San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex|San Luis National Wildlife Refuge]], which includes the [[Kesterson Reservoir|Kesterson Unit]], East Bear Creek, West Bear Creek, and Blue Goose Unit. Nearby are the [[Merced National Wildlife Refuge]] and the [[San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge]]. Fishers, hunters, birdwatchers, and other recreational users come to Los Banos year round.{{Citation needed|date=March 2014}}
-=== Climate ===
+===Climate===
 Los Banos has a [[semiarid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''BSk'') with cool winters and hot summers. Most of the [[precipitation]] falls in the winter. Gusty winds are common in the late afternoon, especially in the vicinity of nearby [[Pacheco Pass]].
-On average, 97.1 days have highs of {{convert|90|F|C|1}} or higher, and 15.5 days have lows of {{convert|32|F|C|1}} or lower.<ref name = NOAA/> The record high temperature of {{convert|116|°F|°C|abbr=on}} was on July 25, 1931. A record low temperature of {{convert|14|°F|°C|abbr=on}} was on January 11, 1949, and again on December 22, 1990.<ref name = NOWData/>
+On average, 97.1 days have highs of {{convert|90|F|C|1}} or higher, and 15.5 days have lows of {{convert|32|F|C|1}} or lower.<ref name = NOAA /> The record high temperature of {{convert|116|°F|°C|abbr=on}} was on July 25, 1931. A record low temperature of {{convert|14|°F|°C|abbr=on}} was on January 11, 1949, and again on December 22, 1990.<ref name = NOWData />
-The average annual rainfall is {{convert|9.48|in|cm}}, with an average of 47 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year recorded was 1998 with {{convert|21.08|in|cm}} and the driest year was 2020 with {{convert|3.74|in|cm}}. The most rainfall in one month was {{convert|8.08|in|cm}} in March 1998. The most rainfall in 24 hours was {{convert|2.40|in|cm}} on January 18, 1914. Although snow is rare, {{convert|3|in|cm|abbr=on}} fell in January 1916 and {{convert|1.5|in|cm}} fell in January 1962.<ref name = NOWData/>
+The average annual rainfall is {{convert|9.48|in|cm}}, with an average of 47 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year recorded was 1998 with {{convert|21.08|in|cm}} and the driest year was 2020 with {{convert|3.74|in|cm}}. The most rainfall in one month was {{convert|8.08|in|cm}} in March 1998. The most rainfall in 24 hours was {{convert|2.40|in|cm}} on January 18, 1914. Although snow is rare, {{convert|3|in|cm|abbr=on}} fell in January 1916 and {{convert|1.5|in|cm}} fell in January 1962.<ref name = NOWData />
 {{Weather box
@@ Line 112: / Line 113: @@
 |Aug record high F = 114
 |Sep record high F = 113
-|Oct record high F = 102
+|Oct record high F = 104
 |Nov record high F = 87
 |Dec record high F = 75
 |year record high F =
 |Jan avg record high F = 66.6
 |Feb avg record high F = 72.4
@@ Line 130: / Line 130: @@
 |Dec avg record high F = 66.4
 |year avg record high F = 107.0
 |Jan high F = 55.6
 |Feb high F = 61.7
@@ Line 144: / Line 143: @@
 |Dec high F = 55.8
 |year high F =
 |Jan mean F = 47.0
 |Feb mean F = 52.4
@@ Line 158: / Line 156: @@
 |Dec mean F = 46.7
 |year mean F =
 |Jan low F = 39.3
 |Feb low F = 42.5
@@ Line 172: / Line 169: @@
 |Dec low F = 38.4
 |year low F =
 |Jan avg record low F = 29.1
 |Feb avg record low F = 32.6
@@ Line 186: / Line 182: @@
 |Dec avg record low F = 28.1
 |year avg record low F = 26.7
 |Jan record low F = 14
 |Feb record low F = 20
@@ Line 200: / Line 195: @@
 |Dec record low F = 14
 |year record low F =
 |precipitation colour = green
 |Jan precipitation inch = 2.07
@@ Line 215: / Line 209: @@
 |Dec precipitation inch = 1.66
 |year precipitation inch =
 |Jan precipitation days = 8.9
 |Feb precipitation days = 8.3
@@ Line 229: / Line 222: @@
 |Dec precipitation days = 7.7
 |year precipitation days = 47.0
+|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>{{cite web
-|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
-{{cite web
 |url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00045118&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
 |publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 |title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Los Banos, CA
 |access-date = May 27, 2023
-}}
+}}</ref>
+|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>{{cite web
-</ref>
-|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
-{{cite web
 |url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=hnx
 |publisher = National Weather Service
 |title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Hanford
 |access-date = May 27, 2023
-}}
+}}</ref>
-</ref>
 }}
@@ Line 265: / Line 253: @@
 |estimate=
 |estref=
-|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=July 2022|reason=No mention of Los Banos at given link}}2020 <ref name="Census 2020"/>
+|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=July 2022|reason=No mention of Los Banos at given link}}2020 <ref name="Census 2020" />
 }}
 [[File:San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, Opera House. Los Banos, California - NARA - 513320.tif|thumb|right|The Opera House in Los Banos following the [[1906 San Francisco earthquake]]]]
@@ Line 271: / Line 259: @@
 {{update|section|date=July 2022|reason=New information is available from the 2020 Census report.}}
-=== 2021 ===
+===2021===
 In 2021, the population of Los Banos is estimated to have been around 46,398 inhabitants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=United States Census Bureau |date=2022 |title=Los Banos city, California |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/losbanoscitycalifornia |access-date= |website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
 ===2010===
-At the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], Los Banos had a population of 35,972.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0644028.html|title=Los Banos (city) QuickFacts|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=March 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322235253/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0644028.html|archive-date=March 22, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|3,555.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of Los Banos was 20,846 (58.0%) White, 1,354 (3.8%) African American, 512 (1.4%) Native American, 1,162 (3.2%) Asian, 134 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 10,123 (28.1%) from other races, and 1,841 (5.1%) from two or more races.  Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 23,346 persons (64.9%).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0644028|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715030917/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0644028|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Los Banos city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref>
+At the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], Los Banos had a population of 35,972.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0644028.html|title=Los Banos (city) QuickFacts|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=March 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322235253/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0644028.html|archive-date=March 22, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|3,555.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of Los Banos was 20,846 (58.0%) White, 1,354 (3.8%) African American, 512 (1.4%) Native American, 1,162 (3.2%) Asian, 134 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 10,123 (28.1%) from other races, and 1,841 (5.1%) from two or more races.  Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 23,346 persons (64.9%).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0644028|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715030917/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0644028|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA – Los Banos city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref>
 The census reported that 35,791 people (99.5% of the population) lived in households, 103 (0.3%) lived in noninstitutionalized group quarters, and 78 (0.2%) were institutionalized.
@@ Line 295: / Line 283: @@
 The median household income was $43,690 and the median family income was $45,304. Males had a median income of $38,294 versus $27,994 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,582. About 9.8% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 13.9% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.
-== Government ==
+==Government==
 In the [[California State Legislature]], Los Banos is in {{Representative|casd|14|fmt=sdistrict}}, and in {{Representative|caad|27|fmt=adistrict}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/ |title=Find Your California Representative }}</ref>
 In the [[United States House of Representatives]], Los Banos is in [[California's 13th congressional district]], which has a [[Cook Partisan Voting Index|Cook PVI]] of D +4<ref>{{cite web | title = 2022 House Race Ratings | publisher = Cook Political | url=https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratings | access-date = January 26, 2022}}</ref> and is represented by {{Representative|cacd|13|fmt=pfl}}.<ref>{{Cite GovTrack|CA|13}}</ref>
-As of 2022, Paul Llanez is the mayor.<ref name=cc/>
+As of 2022, Paul Llanez is the mayor.<ref name=cc />
-== History and culture ==
+==History and culture==
 {{story|section|date=December 2011}}
 The Los Banos area was initially settled, according to Mexican land-grant records, in the 1840s. The first white settler in the area was Uriah Wood, who built his two-room cabin in 1859.<ref>{{cite report |title=Merced County: Multi-jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan |url=https://web2.co.merced.ca.us/pdfs/oes/2014-Merced-County-HMP.pdf#page=11 |publisher=Merced County, California |access-date=April 15, 2022 |page=11 |date=August 2014}}</ref> The original site of Los Banos was located several miles from the current town center, about a mile and half west of the railroad near present-day [[Volta, California|Volta]].  The town was essentially a trading post and received its name when the post office was established and the Post Office Department designated the office "Los Banos" after the nearby creek.  When the railroad arrived, Los Banos relocated to its present-day site.<ref name="Ref-1">{{cite book |last1=Outcalt |first1=John |title=A History of Merced County California Being an Account in Brief Outline of the Period from the Days of the Spanish Occupation Down to the Present Time |date=1925 |pages=215–233 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/historyofmercedc00outc/page/215 |access-date=April 15, 2022 |chapter=Chapter XII: Early Days on the West Side}}</ref>
 The first post office opened in 1873.<ref name=CGN />
-Land and water rights were important to early Los Banos residents, but those rights were recognized only when the land and deed were registered.  Sometimes, those rights depended on fleet footedness, as it did in the "race" between Los Banos residents Uriah Wood and [[Henry Miller (rancher)|Henry Miller]].  Wood, whose homestead was located off of Badger Flat Road, raced Miller to the land office in Stockton to insure his claim to the land would be recognized.  After crossing the San Joaquin River, Wood paid the ferryman $5 to hold the boat on the east side of the river to insure he would gain sufficient distance from Miller to ensure he would reach the land office first.  Wood succeeded and the seven sections that he registered cost him only 45¢ an acre.<ref name="Ref-1"/>
+Land and water rights were important to early Los Banos residents, but those rights were recognized only when the land and deed were registered.  Sometimes, those rights depended on fleet footedness, as it did in the "race" between Los Banos residents Uriah Wood and [[Henry Miller (rancher)|Henry Miller]].  Wood, whose homestead was located off of Badger Flat Road, raced Miller to the land office in Stockton to insure his claim to the land would be recognized.  After crossing the San Joaquin River, Wood paid the ferryman $5 to hold the boat on the east side of the river to insure he would gain sufficient distance from Miller to ensure he would reach the land office first.  Wood succeeded and the seven sections that he registered cost him only 45¢ an acre.<ref name="Ref-1" />
 The centerpiece of downtown Los Banos is Henry Miller Plaza, honoring early California rancher Henry Miller. The {{convert|10|acre|ha|adj=on}} half-oval public plaza features a monumental scale bronze arrangement of Miller with cattle. At one time in the late 19th century, Miller was the largest land owner in the United States. The success of his business monopolized the California agricultural industry, funneling resources and supplies to create his prosperous company. Centered around cattle farming, the Miller and Lux Corporation ultimately transformed the San Joaquin Valley into what can be considered as a precursor to [[corporate farming]] and turning independent farmers into wageworkers.<ref>Henry Miller Papers Collection, "Correspondence to Superintendent Turner," July 18, 1912, Special Collections, Henry Madden Library, California State University Fresno</ref> His company, the Miller & Lux Corporation, was headquartered in Los Banos on a site currently housing the Mexican restaurant España's and the Canal Farm Inn.
@@ Line 319: / Line 307: @@
 Since the 1980s, the city's population has changed with a continuing influx of people who work in the [[San Jose, California|San Jose]]/[[Silicon Valley]] area but seek more affordable housing and slower pace of  semi-rural life, a pattern seen in many other small towns within commuting distance of Silicon Valley.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}
 [[File:Canal Farm Inn.jpg|thumb|right|Canal Farm Inn, a California Historical Landmark]]
 * California Historical Landmark Canal Farm Inn is located at 1460 E Pacheco Blvd, Los Banos. Canal Farm Inn is a [[California Historical Landmarks]], number 548.
 The California Historical Landmark reads:
-:''NO. 548 CANAL FARM INN - This original San Joaquin Valley ranch headquarters of California pioneer and cattle baron Henry Miller (1827-1916) was established in 1873. His farsighted planning and development in the 1870s of a vast gravity irrigation system, and the founding of Los Banos in 1889, provided the basis for this area's present stability and wealth.'' <ref>[https://www.californiahistoricallandmarks.com/landmarks/chl-548 californiahistoricallandmarks.com # 548]</ref>
+:''NO. 548 CANAL FARM INN – This original San Joaquin Valley ranch headquarters of California pioneer and cattle baron Henry Miller (1827–1916) was established in 1873. His farsighted planning and development in the 1870s of a vast gravity irrigation system, and the founding of Los Banos in 1889, provided the basis for this area's present stability and wealth.'' <ref>[https://www.californiahistoricallandmarks.com/landmarks/chl-548 californiahistoricallandmarks.com # 548]</ref>
-== Notable people ==
+==Notable people==
-* [[Mack Wheat]], (1893–1979), was a Major League Baseball catcher from 1915 to 1921 for Brooklyn and the Philadelphia Phillies.
+*[[Mack Wheat]], (1893–1979), was a Major League Baseball catcher from 1915 to 1921 for Brooklyn and the Philadelphia Phillies.
 ==Education==
@@ Line 382: / Line 370: @@
 |}
-== References ==
+==References==
 {{Reflist}}
-== External links ==
+==External links==
-{{commons category|Los Banos, California|<br/>Los Banos, California}}
+{{Commons category|Los Banos, California|<br />Los Banos, California}}
-* {{Official website}}
+*{{Official website}}
 {{Merced County, California|position=collapsed}}

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